Aju Press - Aasia News Hub

Journalist

Kim Yeon-jae김연재

ReporterBank of Korea & Market, Macroeconomics

Kim Yeon-jae is a journalist at AJU Press (AJP's English platform),
covering macroeconomics, international finance, and geopolitics.
He closely tracks central bank monetary policies, global energy supply chains,
and the Korean defense industry. "Peering into the risks behind the euphoria."

Latest by Kim Yeon-jae

World Cup 26: Japan makes history, Egypt fetches first win SEOUL, June 22 (AJP) - The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a weekend of milestones across the group stage, from Egypt’s long-awaited first victory to historic wins for the United States and Japan. Japan marked the 1,000th match in World Cup history by becoming the first Asian team to win a tournament match with four goals, while the United States won back-to-back World Cup games for the first time in 96 years. Egypt beat New Zealand for the country’s first World Cup win, and debutants Cape Verde took another point off a major opponent to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. The weekend began with the United States beating Australia 2-0 for a second straight win in Group D, following up their opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The result sent the U.S. into the knockout stage as the second co-host to advance after Mexico. It also gave the Americans back-to-back World Cup victories for the first time since the inaugural 1930 tournament and their first two-win start since the group-stage format was introduced. In the same group, Turkey were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, ending their first two matches with 62 shots but no goals. That left Turkey with the unwanted distinction of producing the most shots without scoring by a team eliminated after its first two World Cup group matches. The results left the United States firmly in control of Group D, while Turkey’s exit turned the final round into a fight for the remaining places behind the co-hosts. In Group C, Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 thanks to Ismael Saibari’s winner just 71 seconds into the match, while Brazil claimed their first win by beating Haiti 3-0 behind two goals from Matheus Cunha and another from Vinicius Junior. Japan then delivered one of the weekend’s defining performances, beating Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey in a Group F match that marked the 1,000th game in World Cup history. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Ayase Ueda struck twice and Junya Ito also found the net, making Japan the first Asian team to score four goals in a World Cup match and win. The Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scoring twice, while Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and secure a place in the knockout stage. Ecuador and Curacao played out a 0-0 draw, with Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room making 15 saves to earn the country its first World Cup point. The results kept Japan and the Netherlands on course for a decisive meeting at the top of Group F, while Germany joined the United States in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Sunday’s matches began with Spain restoring some order in Group H after their opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 at Atlanta Stadium, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener in the 10th minute and Mikel Oyarzabal adding two goals. Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti also turned the ball into his own net early in the second half. The win moved Spain to four points, while Saudi Arabia’s heavy defeat wiped away much of the momentum from their opening 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Spain moved top of Group H, but the group remained open with Cape Verde and Uruguay still waiting later in the day. In Group G, Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in Los Angeles, leaving both teams unbeaten but unable to take full control of the group. Belgium were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute after Nathan Ngoy was sent off for stopping Mehdi Taremi’s clear scoring chance, but Iran failed to dominate even with a man advantage. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made key saves to keep Iran level, but the result again pointed to the toll of repeated travel and unsettled preparation. Iran have now drawn both of their matches after opening with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Cape Verde’s unlikely run continued in Group H as the debutants drew 2-2 with Uruguay at Miami Stadium, taking another point from one of the group’s established powers. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first World Cup goal with a free kick in the 21st minute, but Uruguay turned the match around before halftime through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio. Cape Verde hit back in the 61st minute through Helio Varela and held on for another valuable point. After drawing Spain in their opening match, Cape Verde have now taken points from Spain and Uruguay in their first World Cup appearance. A win over Saudi Arabia in their final group match would secure a top-two finish and send Cape Verde into the knockout stage, while a draw could still be enough through the third-placed team ranking. That result kept Group H alive until the final round. Spain lead the group, but Cape Verde and Uruguay remain level on two points, leaving Cape Verde with a real chance to extend their debut campaign. The final match of the weekend brought another landmark as Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 to claim their first World Cup victory. New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman and appeared to be closing in on their own first World Cup win, but Egypt came alive after halftime. Mostafa Ziko equalized in the 59th minute before Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead in the 67th. Trezeguet sealed the win in the 82nd minute, giving Egypt their first victory in their ninth World Cup match. Salah, who endured a difficult club season before ending his time with Liverpool, delivered when Egypt needed him most and again became the country’s hero. New Zealand, meanwhile, failed to protect a lead for the second time after their 2-2 draw with Iran. Their unbeaten run ended, and their wait for a first World Cup win continues. Egypt’s win changed the shape of Group G. Belgium and Iran remain unbeaten but stuck on two draws, while Egypt now have the clearest momentum going into the final round. New Zealand, 16 years after their last World Cup appearance, are again in danger of an early exit. 2026-06-22 13:02:15
Korea's June exports set 20-day record on tripled chip shipments SEOUL, June 22 (AJP) - South Korea’s exports rose to a record for the first 20 days of a month in June, as a powerful rebound in semiconductors pushed shipments nearly 60 percent higher from a year earlier. Exports came to $61.99 billion between June 1 and 20, up 60.4 percent from the same period last year, preliminary data from the Korea Customs Service showed Monday. The figure surpassed the previous 20-day record of $54.3 billion set in March, pointing to a sharper-than-expected acceleration in Korea’s trade recovery. The headline gain was partly helped by the calendar. There were 15 working days during the period, one more than a year earlier. But even after adjusting for working days, exports rose 49.7 percent on-year to an average $4.13 billion per day. Semiconductors did most of the heavy lifting. Chip exports nearly tripled from a year earlier, jumping 188.4 percent to $25.51 billion. That was also the highest figure ever recorded for the first 20 days of a month. The surge lifted semiconductors’ share of total exports to 41.2 percent, up 18.3 percentage points from a year earlier, underscoring how heavily Korea’s export rebound now depends on the chip cycle. Other technology-related shipments also showed strength. Exports of computer peripherals almost quadrupled to $3.07 billion, rising 293.3 percent from a year earlier. Petroleum product exports rose 39.0 percent to $3.68 billion, while ship exports climbed 39.9 percent to $2.22 billion. Passenger car exports were more subdued, rising 2.3 percent to $3.74 billion. Auto parts exports fell 9.5 percent to $1.11 billion. The recovery was broad across major markets, but China and the United States remained the main anchors. Exports to China jumped 86.9 percent to $13.05 billion, while shipments to the United States rose 53.9 percent to $11.40 billion. Exports to Vietnam increased 75.5 percent to $5.93 billion. Shipments to the European Union rose 13.6 percent, and exports to Taiwan more than doubled, rising 103.6 percent. China, the United States and Vietnam together accounted for 49.0 percent of Korea’s total exports during the period. Imports rose at a slower pace than exports, increasing 23.2 percent from a year earlier to $44.50 billion. Semiconductor imports rose 55.5 percent to $7.10 billion, reflecting strong demand across the chip supply chain. Imports of chipmaking equipment also climbed 51.9 percent to $2.14 billion. Energy imports increased as well. Crude oil imports rose 18.8 percent to $5.44 billion, gas imports gained 8.3 percent and coal imports jumped 63.1 percent. Combined imports of crude oil, gas and coal were up 19.9 percent from a year earlier. Imports from China rose 41.1 percent to $11.28 billion, while those from the United States increased 26.0 percent to $5.54 billion. Imports from the European Union, Japan and Taiwan also rose, gaining 16.4 percent, 14.2 percent and 33.8 percent, respectively. With exports growing far faster than imports, Korea posted a trade surplus of $17.50 billion for the June 1-20 period. For the year through June 20, exports totaled $456.45 billion, up 45.6 percent from a year earlier. Imports rose 15.1 percent to $336.79 billion, leaving a cumulative trade surplus of $119.67 billion. The customs agency cautioned that the figures are preliminary and cover only a short period, meaning they can be affected by changes in working days. Some figures may be revised before annual trade data are finalized. 2026-06-22 10:54:15
Won swings near 1,540 before ending flat; bonds weaken on hawkish Fed SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - The Korean won erased most of its intraday losses Friday after briefly approaching the 1,540 level against the dollar, while government bonds weakened as a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook kept pressure on Seoul’s financial markets. The won closed daytime trading at 1,527.0 per dollar, up 0.1 won from the previous session, according to Seoul foreign exchange market data. The currency came under heavy pressure early in the session as the dollar strengthened on expectations that the Fed would keep policy tight for longer amid persistent inflation risks. The won opened at 1,537.4 per dollar, down 10.3 won from the previous close, and weakened as far as 1,539.5 during intraday trading, putting the 1,540 level back in sight. But the move lost steam in the afternoon, with the won recovering sharply toward the previous day’s closing level. Market participants said the reversal appeared to reflect growing caution over possible smoothing operations by the foreign exchange authorities near the 1,540 threshold. Foreign exchange officials did not confirm whether any intervention had taken place. Still, traders said the authorities’ repeated warnings against one-sided moves in the currency market likely helped cap the dollar-won rate. The bond market also remained under pressure, as expectations of tighter monetary policy at major central banks, including the Bank of Korea, weighed on sentiment. The yield on three-year government bonds rose 3.4 basis points to 3.784 percent, while the 10-year yield climbed 5.3 basis points to 4.171 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. 2026-06-19 16:43:47
Korea's C/A surplus with U.S. falls and US stockholdings doubles SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s current account surplus with the United States fell for the first time in six years in 2025 amid rising cost of intellectual property and artificial intelligence services, central bank data showed Friday. The data showed that Korea’s goods surplus with the United States remained strong, but was increasingly offset by a wider services deficit and weaker income receipts. According to preliminary regional balance of payments data from the Bank of Korea, Korea posted a current account surplus of $123.05 billion in 2025, up from $99.97 billion a year earlier. The improvement was led by goods. Korea’s goods account surplus rose to $138.07 billion from $110.91 billion, while the services deficit widened to $34.52 billion from $29.43 billion. By region, Korea’s current account surplus with the United States remained the largest at $111.42 billion, but was down from a record $116.97 billion in 2024. It marked the first annual decline since 2019. The goods surplus with the United States increased to $111.98 billion from $109.22 billion a year earlier. Exports to the United States also rose to $185.22 billion from $182.57 billion, as stronger shipments of semiconductors, smartphones and other information technology products offset declines in goods subject to U.S. tariffs. Korea’s services deficit with the United States widened to $14.62 billion from $8.88 billion, mainly as payments for intellectual property rights increased, including trademark fees paid to overseas headquarters of global companies and industrial property fees paid by Korean firms. The primary income surplus with the United States also narrowed to $16.05 billion from $18.15 billion, as earnings at overseas affiliates declined and some domestic companies paid large dividends to their overseas headquarters. Korea’s current account deficits with China and Japan widened. The deficit with China increased to $25.32 billion from $23.45 billion, as the goods deficit widened on weaker exports of steel products and chemicals. The deficit with Japan widened to $20.30 billion from $17.97 billion, as exports of petroleum products fell, imports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment rose and travel payments by Koreans visiting Japan increased. In contrast, Korea’s current account surplus with the European Union rose to $24.42 billion from $22.22 billion, helped by stronger exports of semiconductors and passenger cars and a wider primary income surplus due to lower dividend payments. The surplus with Southeast Asia increased to $71.84 billion from $63.44 billion, as exports of semiconductors and related equipment rose and the services balance swung to a surplus for the first time in three years. The biggest improvement came from the Middle East, where Korea’s current account deficit narrowed to $49.75 billion from $67.96 billion. The goods deficit with the Middle East shrank sharply as lower oil prices reduced imports of crude oil, gas and other energy products. Dubai crude averaged $69.40 a barrel in 2025, down 12.8 percent from $79.60 in 2024. Korea’s current account surplus with Central and South America also increased, led by stronger exports of ships and passenger cars. In the financial account, Koreans’ overseas portfolio investment assets jumped to $140.28 billion from $66.97 billion, led by a surge in overseas equity investment. Portfolio investment in the United States more than doubled to $109.13 billion from $49.54 billion, driven by gains in U.S. technology shares. Foreign portfolio investment in Korea also expanded to $52.54 billion from $21.36 billion, as bond inflows jumped ahead of Korea’s inclusion in the World Government Bond Index. 2026-06-19 15:50:02
World Cup 26: Home magic as Mexico makes knockouts, Canada first win SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - The second round of group matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup began to sharpen the picture in Groups A and B on Thursday local time, or Friday in Korea. Mexico became the first of the tournament’s 48 teams to secure a place in the knockout stage, while Canada earned the first World Cup win in its history and Switzerland also surged in Group B. South Korea, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Mexico and pushed their knockout-stage fate to the final group match against South Africa. The day began with Czechia and South Africa drawing 1-1 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday local time, keeping the lower half of Group A open until the final round. Czechia went ahead in the fifth minute through Michal Sadilek, but their early lead did not hold. South Africa equalized in the 83rd minute when Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty. Both teams needed a response after opening defeats, but the draw left them on one point each and kept their survival hopes alive only until the final round. The result also shaped the stakes for South Korea and Mexico, as either side could secure a place in the first knockout round with a win later in the day. In Group B, Switzerland produced a strong response by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Thursday local time. Johan Manzambi broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, and Ruben Vargas doubled Switzerland’s lead in the 84th minute. Manzambi scored again in the 90th minute to make it 3-0, before Bosnia and Herzegovina pulled one back through Ermin Mahmic in stoppage time. Switzerland then completed the scoring with a late penalty from Granit Xhaka. The result lifted Switzerland to four points after their opening draw with Qatar, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, who had drawn Canada, were left under pressure before the final round. Canada then made history on home soil, earning the country’s first World Cup victory with a 6-0 rout of Qatar at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday local time. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before Jonathan David struck in the 29th minute and again in first-half stoppage time to give Canada a 3-0 halftime lead. Nathan Saliba added the fourth in the 64th minute, and Qatar’s Mohamed Manai scored an own goal in the 75th minute. David completed his hat trick in stoppage time to finish the rout. Qatar were reduced to nine men after Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 33rd minute and Assim Madibo was shown a red card early in the second half, leaving Canada in full control. The landmark win moved Canada to four points, level with Switzerland, but with a major goal-difference advantage after their opening draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Qatar, by contrast, saw their hopes of advancing sharply reduced after following their draw with Switzerland with a heavy loss to Canada. Groups A and B now head into the final round with qualification, top spot and survival all still in play. In Group A, Mexico will face Czechia with their place in the knockout stage already secured, while South Korea will meet South Africa with second place on the line. In Group B, Canada and Switzerland will meet in a match likely to decide the group winner, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar will play with their remaining hopes of advancing at stake. 2026-06-19 15:10:55
World Cup 26: Korea's fate hinges on match with South Africa SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - South Korea's 1-0 defeat to Mexico was not fatal. But it exposed a weakness that Hong Myung-bo's side must fix quickly: when opponents shut down Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom, Korea struggles to build attacks and loses its identity. That makes next week's match against South Africa a de facto knockout game. South Korea fell 1-0 to Mexico in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning (Korea time) after Luis Romo capitalized on a spilled ball early in the second half. Mexico moved to six points and became the first of the tournament's 48 teams to secure a place in the Round of 32. South Korea remained on three points and second place, but with little room for error. The equation is simple. A draw against South Africa will guarantee second place regardless of Czechia's result against Mexico. Even if Czechia beat a potentially rotated Mexican side, South Korea would hold the head-to-head advantage from their opening 2-1 victory. A defeat, however, could end their campaign. If Czechia beat Mexico and South Africa upset Korea, Hong's side would tumble to the bottom of Group A and be eliminated. Even if Czechia fail to win, Korea could be forced into the uncertain route of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. More importantly, Mexico offered future opponents a tactical blueprint. Javier Aguirre's side systematically suffocated Korea's buildup by crowding Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom and cutting off passing lanes into Son Heung-min. The most revealing moment came from television footage showing Lee Gi-hyuk appearing to say, "There's no one to pass to." That summarized the match. South Korea managed just one shot on target and repeatedly fell into Mexico's offside traps. When Hong introduced more attackers in the second half, he gained pace but lost control of midfield, allowing Mexico to threaten continuously on the counterattack. The concern is predictability. Two games into the tournament, opponents have identified Korea's pressure point: disrupt central buildup and force play wide. South Africa will present a different challenge. Unlike Mexico, they are unlikely to press relentlessly. Instead, they will probably defend deeper and wait for transition opportunities. That shifts the burden onto South Korea. Against Mexico, Korea had to survive. Against South Africa, they will have to create. The next match will determine more than whether Korea reaches the Round of 32. It will show whether this team can adjust over the course of a tournament. Because after Mexico, South Korea's World Cup is no longer about chasing first place. It is about avoiding an early exit. 2026-06-19 14:02:49
World Cup 26: Korea falls to Mexico after second-half error SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - South Korea lost 1-0 to Mexico in their second Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning in Korea, leaving their knockout-stage fate to the final group match against South Africa. Mexico scored the only goal early in the second half, when Luis Romo reacted first after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to hold the ball inside the box. South Korea must beat South Africa in their final group match to guarantee a top-two finish in Group A, while a draw would leave them depending on tiebreakers or the third-placed team ranking. 2026-06-19 12:05:39
World Cup 26: Korea hold Mexico scoreless at halftime SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - South Korea and Mexico were locked at 0-0 at halftime in their Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning in Korea, with both sides pressing aggressively but struggling to create clear chances. The match kicked off at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, at 10 a.m. Friday in Korea, or 9 p.m. Thursday local time. South Korea started with Kim Seung-gyu in goal, with Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Gi-hyuk and Seol Young-woo across the defensive line. Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Jae-sung and Lee Kang-in started in midfield, with captain Son Heung-min leading the attack. Head coach Hong Myung-bo made one change from the team that beat Czechia 2-1 in the opening match, bringing in Kim Moon-hwan for Lee Tae-seok while keeping the rest of the lineup intact. Mexico started Raul Rangel in goal, with Jorge Sanchez, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez and Jesus Gallardo in defense. Luis Romo, Erik Lira, Brian Gutierrez and Roberto Alvarado started in midfield, with Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones up front. Mexico made three changes from their 2-0 win over South Africa. Alvarez dropped into central defense to replace suspended center back Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez came in at right back and Romo replaced Alvaro Fidalgo in midfield. South Korea began the match with a high press, trying to unsettle Mexico’s buildup from the opening minutes. But the early intensity quickly brought risk. Lee Kang-in was booked in the third minute after stepping on an opponent’s foot. Mexico then grew into the match through physical pressure and a faster tempo, especially around South Korea’s central and right-sided buildup channels, where Hwang In-beom and Lee Kang-in were repeatedly closed down. The home side’s pressure made it difficult for South Korea to play smoothly through midfield, forcing the Taegeuk Warriors to look more often for space behind Mexico’s back line. South Korea nearly found that space in the 15th minute of the half, when Son lifted a ball toward goal that was cleared before crossing the line, though the offside flag went up. Mexico responded around the 19th minute, when Quinones met a header inside the box, but Kim Seung-gyu made the save after South Korea’s defenders had done enough to prevent a cleaner effort. South Korea continued to look for quick runs behind Mexico’s defense, with Lee Jae-sung flagged offside after making a sharp run in the 29th minute. The first official South Korean shot came around the 40th minute, when a pass from Son was deflected into Seol Young-woo’s path, but the wingback mishit his effort. Lee Jae-sung also tried to attack a cross near the end of the half, but the move broke down before South Korea could get a shot away. The first half left South Korea with defensive resilience but little rhythm in attack. Mexico had more physical control and pressed with greater force, but they also failed to turn their territorial pressure into a breakthrough. With Czechia and South Africa drawing 1-1 earlier in Group A, South Korea would secure top spot with a win over Mexico, while a draw would keep them in control before the final group match against South Africa. 2026-06-19 10:59:27
Korea's producer prices spike at fastest pace since pandemic SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) -Korea's producer price spiked 8.5 percent from a year earlier in May, the fastest annual increase since the pandemic peak in the summer of 2022, as oil shocks from the Gulf crisis hit the energy-dependent economy in full force and flagged upside risks for consumer inflation ahead, central bank data showed Friday. The figures underscore that supply-driven inflation is no longer just an oil story. The spring energy shock has cooled on a monthly basis, but price pressures are continuing to spread broadly across the industrial front. According to the Bank of Korea, the producer price index rose 0.8 percent from a month earlier and 8.5 percent from a year earlier in May. The annual gain accelerated from 7.2 percent in April and marked the fastest increase since July 2022, when producer prices rose 9.2 percent. The annual rate has climbed steadily from 2.5 percent in February to 4.1 percent in March, 7.2 percent in April and 8.5 percent in May. Compared with February, just before the Middle East war began feeding through supply chains, the increase has more than tripled. Currency conditions added to the pressure. The dollar-won exchange rate averaged 1,491.39 won in May, up from 1,486.72 won in April. Producer prices rose 0.8 percent from the previous month in May. The monthly gain slowed sharply from a revised 2.7 percent in April as oil prices eased. The index has nevertheless risen for nine consecutive months, the longest stretch since a 13-month run from November 2020 to November 2021. Manufactured goods rose 0.7 percent from April. Chemical products climbed 1.8 percent, primary metal products rose 1.4 percent and computer, electronic and optical products gained 1.6 percent. Coal and petroleum products fell 2.3 percent from the previous month as lower crude oil prices began filtering into import costs. They were still 77.5 percent higher than a year earlier. DRAM prices rose 9.5 percent from April and 445.4 percent from a year earlier. Computer memory prices climbed 15.2 percent on the month and 223.2 percent on the year. The gains helped push up manufactured goods and export-linked prices even as the oil-driven monthly shock lost momentum. Chemical products rose 20.6 percent from a year earlier. Sulfuric acid jumped 58.7 percent from April and 215.9 percent from a year earlier. Services rose 1.2 percent from April, led by an 8.3 percent increase amid frenzied stock investment. The BOK attributed the rise mainly to higher brokerage commission fees as the benchmark stock market extended its record rally. Brokerage commission fees jumped 22.2 percent on the month and 154.5 percent from a year earlier. Transportation services gained 1.8 percent, driven by higher prices for international passenger flights and air cargo after fuel surcharges increased. Electricity, gas, water and waste services rose 0.5 percent, with industrial city gas prices up 10.3 percent due to higher raw material costs. Agricultural, forestry and fishery products fell 0.8 percent, helping limit the overall monthly increase. Farm products dropped 3.9 percent, led by a 38.6 percent fall in melon prices due to favorable crop conditions. Food prices fell 0.2 percent and fresh food prices dropped 3.2 percent. But the producer price index excluding food and energy rose 0.9 percent from April and 8.5 percent from a year earlier. The domestic supply price index, which tracks goods and services supplied in Korea, including imports, was unchanged from the previous month. Raw material prices fell 8.1 percent, mainly because imported raw material prices dropped 9.7 percent. The BOK said customs-cleared crude oil prices reflected a 17.8 percent fall in Dubai crude in April with a lag of about one month. That marked the clearest shift from April, when coal and petroleum products surged and imported raw materials pushed domestic supply prices sharply higher. In May, lower raw material costs offset increases in intermediate and final goods. Intermediate goods rose 1.2 percent and final goods gained 0.3 percent. Still, domestic supply prices rose 11.7 percent from a year earlier, the fastest increase since September 2022, showing that accumulated cost pressures have not disappeared. The total output price index rose 16.7 percent from a year earlier, the highest annual increase since the BOK began compiling the series in 2010. The index, which includes exports as well as domestic shipments, rose 1.2 percent from April. Export prices rose 2.3 percent on the month and 46.1 percent from a year earlier, led by computer, electronic and optical products and chemicals. That compared with an 8.5 percent annual increase in domestic shipment prices, underscoring much stronger price pressure on the export side. 2026-06-19 07:36:59
World Cup 26: Korea seek win over Mexico to tighten grip on Group A SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korea face Mexico on Friday morning in Korea with a chance to move closer to the Round of 32, though the calculation will first be shaped by the result between Czechia and South Africa. South Korea and Mexico both opened Group A with wins. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener, while South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1. That left the two sides level on three points, with Mexico ahead on goal difference. The match kicks off at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, at 10 a.m. Friday in Korea, or 9 p.m. Thursday local time. Before that, Czechia and South Africa will meet in another Group A match, with both teams still looking for their first points. Under the expanded 2026 format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify directly for the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Mexico still enter the match as the clear favorite. Opta’s match predictor gives Mexico a 48.8 percent chance of winning, compared with 24.8 percent for South Korea, while odds listed on WhoScored also favor Mexico at 2.00, with South Korea at 3.90 and a draw at 3.50. For South Korea, the simplest route is still a win. If Czechia beat South Africa or the earlier match ends in a draw, a victory over Mexico would secure South Korea a top-two finish in Group A with one match to spare. That is because South Korea would move to six points, while at least two of the other three teams would no longer be able to finish above them. But if South Africa beat Czechia, even a South Korea win over Mexico would not mathematically guarantee a top-two place. In that scenario, South Africa could still beat South Korea in the final round and Mexico could beat Czechia, leaving South Korea, Mexico and South Africa all on six points. The group would then be decided by tiebreakers such as goal difference. Even in that case, six points would almost certainly put South Korea in a strong position to advance, given that eight of the 12 third-placed teams also reach the knockout stage. A draw against Mexico would also keep South Korea in control of their fate. It would put South Korea on four points, meaning they would secure a top-two finish by avoiding defeat against South Africa in their final group match. But a draw with Mexico followed by a loss to South Africa could leave South Korea exposed to goal-difference calculations. That risk would be greatest if Czechia and South Africa draw, because all four teams could still finish on four points depending on the final round. A defeat to Mexico would leave South Korea on three points and make the South Africa match decisive. Beating South Africa would then become the clearest route to the Round of 32. A draw in the final match could still leave South Korea with a chance through the third-placed team ranking, but it would not remove uncertainty. A loss to South Africa would leave South Korea on three points and put their qualification hopes in serious danger. 2026-06-18 17:36:43